The venue is often crowded with people who enjoy ice-skating in the middle of skyscrapers as an outdoor ice rink has been temporarily installed at the eastern part of the square like the one in New York's Central Park.

The outdoor ice rink in Seoul Plaza has been full of citizens and tourists since its opening on Dec. 24 2004, cutting the ice under sunny skies or moonlit nights. With easy access to the facility and the cheap cost, the 40-meter by 30-meter ice rink provides enough space for a maximum capacity of about 300 skaters.

Like last year, the outdoor skating rink will be situated at the center of the grass plaza and will be fully equipped with facilities such as a lounge area and medical center for the convenience of visitors. This year there are also plans to open the <2008> in the nearby area. The theme of the festival is ‘lights’ and there will be beautifully decorated chairs, snow sleds, igloos, and other light installations.

On Friday December 12, the opening day of the ice rink, various celebratory events and performances will take place from 5.30pm. The Seoul Plaza Outdoor Skating Rink will be open until February 15, 2009 for a period of 66 days, and rates will be 1,000 won.

☞Location: Seoul Plaza in front of the Seoul City Hall Main Building
☞Contact: Travel Information +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)
☞Period: December 12, 2008 (Fri.) – February 15, 2009 (Sun.) for 66 days
☞Hours of Operation: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm (open until 11:00pm on weekends and holidays)
☞Rates: 1,000 won (maximum use of 1 hour each day)

Labels: event, outdoor skating, Seoul, special, winter